The Tour always calls upon its great champions. But even for legends, a victory in the Grande Boucle is practically a vital goal. This is the case with Mathieu Van der Poel, genetically designed to fly on the bike, the quintessential classics rider, champion of almost everything and several times over. But the Tour… Oh, the Tour! Only two stage wins appeared on his resume as he approaches 32 years old, a meager haul for Poulidor’s grandson. As if that weren’t enough, the design of this edition had left the Dutchman almost without opportunities. But amid the darkness, there was a ray of light. A 150-kilometer hell with a wall 25 kilometers from the finish in Ussel. A torture with constant ups and downs. Perfect for the classics specialists. Ideal for Mathieu van der Poel.